Sharks notes: Goldobin gets shot on line with Joes, Hertl moves to second line

Nikolay Goldobin makes his NHL debut Friday night when the Sharks face the New Jersey Devils, and there will be no gradual introduction to life with the big club.

Goldobin, who was on a plane to New Jersey on Thursday from San Jose, will play on a line with Joe Pavelski and Joe Thornton against the Devils. Sharks coach Pete DeBoer said Joonas Donskoi is still dealing with a lower body injury.

The line was together for one preseason game, Sept. 29 against Vancouver, as Goldobin had an assist on an even strength goal by Brent Burns. He finished the preseason with one goal and two assists in five games.

There’s never been a question about the skating or offensive skills of Goldobin, the Sharks’ first round draft pick in 2014. His biggest issue has been his commitment to defense, which he believes he’s improved since the end of last season.

“It’s a big thing to trust the player in all three zones, so I hope they trust me and I hope I play a lot of minutes,” Goldobin said.

Tomas Hertl will assume Logan Couture’s spot as the Sharks’ second line center.

Hertl has played center in all three of the Sharks’ games this year and has two goals. He scored his second goal of the year in Tuesday’s 5-0 win over the Washington Capitals. For the season, Hertl has won 55.9 percent (19 of 34) of his faceoffs.

“I’m not really thinking about it. I’m still sad for Cooch,” Hertl said of playing on the second line. “For me, nothing changes. I’m still at center. Doesn’t matter if I play second or third line. I just want to play the best hockey.”

Martin Jones starts in goal for the fourth straight game, as it appears Alex Stalock will start in net Saturday against the Islanders.